Riverview Park

299 South Cherry Street

Riverview Park is a 7.4-acre public park located at 230 S. Cherry Street in downtown Flushing, along the banks of the Flint River. This flagship city park offers a scenic and convenient gathering place for the community, with a blend of recreational amenities and natural beauty. Its centerpiece is the Flushing Rotary Band Shell, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts summer concerts and events, complete with seating for about 440 guests (new seats were installed in 2013 as a Rotary Club project). Lush landscaping and mature trees line the riverbank, providing a picturesque backdrop for picnic areas, a children’s playscape (playground), and open green space. Riverview Park has a rich community history: the idea for the park was proposed in the 1940s, and a bandstand built by local volunteers soon became an iconic feature. In 1976, community members constructed the Bicentennial Walkway to link the park with Main Street as a patriotic city project. Over the years, civic groups have continued to enhance the park – for example, a roof was added to the band shell in 1994, and the Rotary Club spearheaded major seating upgrades in 2013. Today, Riverview Park remains a vibrant hub of outdoor activity and hometown pride, where residents of all ages come to play, relax, and enjoy Flushing’s riverfront atmosphere.

Park Features:

• Rotary Band Shell & Amphitheater: Outdoor stage and seating for events. The park’s signature bandshell (originally a 1940s concrete bandstand) is a venue for concerts, movies, and community gatherings. A permanent cover was added in the 1990s, and 440 new amphitheater seats were installed in 2013 to improve comfort for audiences.
• Playground & Picnic Areas: Family-friendly recreation. A “Playscape” playground near the river offers slides and climbing structures for kids, while picnic tables and open lawn areas provide space for family picnics and casual relaxation.
• Sports Courts: Facilities for casual sports. Enjoy a game on the full-size basketball court or practice on the older tennis court (both courts are public and unlighted).
• Flint River Access: Canoe/kayak launch and fishing spots. A designated canoe/kayak launch allows paddlers to easily access the Flint River directly from the park, connecting Flushing to the Flint River Water Trail for regional canoeing and kayaking adventures. Anglers also use the riverbank for fishing.
• Scenic Riverfront & Walkway: Beautiful views and trail connection. The park’s location along the Flint River gives it a naturally scenic charm, with attractive landscaping and shady trees throughout. A paved Bicentennial Walkway runs through the park and over a pedestrian bridge, linking Riverview Park to Main Street and the Riverwalk area; this trail was built by volunteers in 1976 to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial.
• Accessibility & Parking: Easy to access and navigate. Paved paths and relatively flat terrain make the main areas of the park accessible to strollers and wheelchairs (Riverview Park is rated “Barrier-Free – Moderate” in accessibility). Parking is ample and convenient, with a large parking area next to the park and additional street parking available in the downtown vicinity.

Riverview Park is not only a place for recreation but also a focal point of community life in Flushing. From free summer concerts in the park to holiday events and festivals, the park brings people together in a picturesque outdoor setting. Ongoing efforts by the city and local organizations aim to keep Riverview Park inviting and well-maintained – plans include resurfacing the sports courts and exploring an accessible kayak launch in partnership with regional groups. Whether you’re attending a concert at the band shell, enjoying a riverside picnic, or launching a canoe for a paddle down the Flint River, Riverview Park offers a welcoming space to experience the natural beauty and community spirit of Flushing.